Closing the pharmacy sector's skills gap: The Solutions Training and Teamwork (STAT) program's approach to workforce...

Ongoing national and local pharmacy technician shortages are significantly impacting healthcare organizations, prompting the development and implementation of the Solutions Training and Teamwork (STAT) program, a state-funded initiative aimed at bridging the skills gap in the pharmacy sector. This program was specifically designed primarily to train unemployed individuals in Rhode Island, equipping them with the necessary skills to become well-qualified pharmacy technicians. As a secondary outcome, the STAT program endeavored to enhance workforce diversity and cultural competence, aligning the demographic characteristics of pharmacy technician staff with the diverse population served, thus reducing workforce disparities. We employed a mixed-methods approach to evaluate its outcomes.

The STAT program emerged from a collaborative effort by Lifespan, the Rhode Island Department of Labor, and the Community College of Rhode Island. Spanning 16 weeks, the program combined 180 hours of didactic learning, 120 hours of unpaid practical experience, and 42 hours of workplace readiness and leadership skills training. Supported by the Governor's Workforce Investment Board and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the program removed financial barriers. Outcomes were promising, with a 66.8% graduation rate and 70.5% of participants achieving national certification, and 60% of the graduates were extended job offers by Lifespan. Significant increases in workforce diversity were also observed.

The STAT program provides an effective approach to workforce development, addressing the persistent skills gap and underrepresentation of minority groups in the pharmacy sector. It provides a replicable model for other healthcare systems facing similar challenges, potentially revolutionizing the way healthcare organizations can implement training programs to enhance diversity, employee retention, and team engagement.